Lemongrass Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken is a charcoal chicken shop on Doncaster Road in Balwyn North, the sort of place people cross town for: charcoal birds marinated with lemongrass and chips dusted in the house chicken salt. It is a takeaway rather than a sit-down cafe, so the dog angle is honest and simple: your dog waits with you on the footpath while the bag is packed.

The dog setup

There is no courtyard or covered seating, and nothing laid on for dogs. The deal is footpath service: dogs are fine tied up or sitting calmly beside you directly outside the storefront while you order, and the wait is short because service is quick. Bring your own water on warm days, and treat this as a grab-and-go stop rather than a place to linger.

The vibe

Regulars come for the charcoal chicken and the chicken salt chips, with affordability and quick, friendly service the running themes. Hours run 10am to 7pm Monday to Thursday, from 9am Friday, 9am to 2pm Saturday, and it closes Sundays. One practical quirk: the listing is cash-only, so hit an ATM before you queue, especially if the dog is already tied to the railing.

Getting there

You will find it at 70 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North. Street parking out front is limited and busy at peak times, but the surrounding side streets usually have space for a short walk back with the dog.

Close by with the dogs

The classic pairing is a chook-and-chips picnic after a run: Macleay Park Dog Off Leash Area and Gordon Barnard Reserve Fenced Dog Play Area are both a short trip away. For a sit-down coffee instead, Caffe Romeo is nearby. Browse more dog friendly cafes in Victoria or what's listed around Balwyn North.

Pepsi: chicken salt chips in the park, lead still on for two seconds, then gone. Worth the cash-only fuss.